zirkon â Perfect on-air. - Lawo

<strong>zirkon</strong> – <strong>Perfect</strong> on-air. 

English


Powerful performance, easy to operate: <strong>zirkon</strong> is the ideal mixing console for radio 

broadcasting: for highly demanding radio productions, for daily broadcast operations, 

and for today’s radio professionals. <strong>zirkon</strong> is inspiring not only because of its superb 

functionality and its intuitive, clearly laid out, control surface; it also delivers reliable 

engineering, a wide range of extras and an extensive feature list that assure custom 

solutions for every requirement. Look for yourself – we think you will genuinely enjoy 

your journey through the following pages. 

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The optimum solution for radio hosts: 

Maximum results with minimum expense. 

Whether you are a radio host, DJ or editor, your one main 

concern is to produce a show that your audience will want to 

listen to. That means controversial topics, lively presentation and 

captivating contributions. It also means the right equipment: 

equipment that can be operated intuitively, is easy to understand 

and can still handle the multiple requirements of day-to-day 

radio work. In other words, the sort of features provided by <strong>zirkon</strong> 

– the functional mixing console for hosts who want to focus on 

what is essential: stunning broadcasts. 

The optimum solution for sound mixers: 

Flexible configuration for complex requirements. 

Be it new technologies, critical presentation schedules or just 

enormous budget pressures – as a sound mixer you are confronted 

with new challenges on a daily basis. Thank goodness there 

is a mixing console just as good at meeting these challenges 

as you are: the <strong>zirkon</strong> from Lawo. Although this console was 

consciously designed to be easy to use by hosts, it provides 

sound mixers with all the options they need – thanks to its 

modular design and a wide range of configuration options. 

<strong>zirkon</strong> advantages for hosts: 

Reduced control surface requires less time to learn 

Motorised faders for maximum overview and optimum 

interaction with radio automation systems 

Sophisticated n-1/conference logic for comfortable and 

secure broadcast operations 

VisTool touch screen software for visualisation and enhanced 

user interface 

Source-oriented operation – e. g. with stereo and surround 

formats on one fader 

<strong>zirkon</strong> advantages for audio mixers: 

Ergonomic user interface for rapid access and maximum 

user confidence 

Access to up to 40 channels even on small layouts 

(multi-layer operation) 

Flexible configuration for individualised workflows 

High-performance networking of audio and control (for resource 

sharing or multi-studio operation in broadcast complexes) 

Extensive portfolio of hardware and software components, 

plus interfaces for remote control (radio automation, audio 

workstations, routing etc.)


The optimum solution for a broadcast complex: 

Interconnection of several systems via network. 

<strong>zirkon</strong> is not only a convincing soloist 

– it also performs as a perfect team player. 

For example, <strong>zirkon</strong> can fit perfectly into 

broadcast networks. Besides the option 

of low-cost audio connection via MADI 

interfaces, also at a control level extens- 

ive broadcasting setups can be realized – 

An example of networking options for a 

radio broadcaster 

Network comprising a Nova17 matrix with 

three <strong>zirkon</strong> consoles connected via MADI 

to a complex broadcast system. 

In emergencies, the Nova17 and <strong>zirkon</strong> 

consoles can be operated independently, 

thus assuring the greatest security against 

downtime. 

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MADI + Ethernet 

MADI + Ethernet 

+ Audio + CAN 

featuring, of course, resource sharing, 

standby production cubicles and multi- 

studio operation. 

At the same time, freely configurable 

control signals can be distributed via 

Ethernet-TCP/IP to other independent 

systems, thus enabling multiple and 

Main Matrix 

Nova73 HD 

Workgroup Matrix 

Nova17 

+ Ethernet Switch 

Studio 1 

<strong>zirkon</strong> 

1 

Studio 2 

<strong>zirkon</strong> 

2 

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cross-system functions such as program 

switches, talkback, conferencing, monitoring 

selections and red light routing. 

Another benefit: the high cost-efficiency 

of integrated <strong>zirkon</strong> solutions. 

PC + VisTool 

Panel KSC.LCD16 

Announcer Booth 

Panel TB-12 

Studio 3 

<strong>zirkon</strong>

<strong>zirkon</strong> – <strong>Perfect</strong> on-air.


As individual as your needs: 

<strong>zirkon</strong>’s four most important components. 

Component 1 

High-performance core 

Based on the proven DALLIS interface, the <strong>zirkon</strong> core 

handles routing, control and signal processing (DSP). 

In addition, it is the interface for console modules and 

panels, for VisTool software and radio automation systems. 

But there is more to it than that: the core can also be 

connected via MADI to other matrices – or as the Nova17, 

even be used as an independent matrix. 


Different operating layouts 

Channel module, central module, the XL variant or the 

2s module: with <strong>zirkon</strong> you can build a mixing console to 

suit your individual needs. Whether you are operating a 

small independent studio, a large broadcasting complex 

or a major TV production facility, the varied layouts offered 

by <strong>zirkon</strong> cannot fail to provide the right answer for you. 

(Fig.: 2s module) 


Modular extension with custom panels 

However you want it: <strong>zirkon</strong> and Nova17 systems can be 

extended to include as many as 15 pushbutton panels for 

the individual requirements of commentator or editorial 

rooms, for example. All devices are completely integrated 

into the system configuration, and can be assigned any 

function. 

(Fig.: TB-12) 


More operating satisfaction with VisTool 

An improved overview and extended functionality – the 

VisTool touch screen software makes it all possible. On 

a graphically attractive screen layout you can keep an 

eye on signal level and DSP parameters at all times. You 

will profit from additional tools such as trigger circuits or 

central snapshot databases, and can freely arrange the 

console’s control panels to meet your own needs. 

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<strong>zirkon</strong> – <strong>Perfect</strong> on-air.


One principle, many interpretations: 

<strong>zirkon</strong>’s different module variants. 

Advantages of the modular concept. Your individual requirements will determine 

which <strong>zirkon</strong> configuration is the right one for you. All you need to start broadcasting 

is a central module, a channel module and a couple of interfaces. However, <strong>zirkon</strong> 

also has the capacity to meet more demanding needs – for example, by using three 

additional channel modules, you can have a total of 16 faders at your finger tips. 

What about sophisticated productions? Lawo provides an appropriate solution here 

as well – the XL central module. Whatever your requirements, thanks to completely 

compatible modules, you can cover pretty much any imaginable application with the 

same technology. 

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The Channel Module: 

Several layers on one surface. 

The modular console concept allows for 

up to ten channel modules, each with four 

faders, so that the largest system gives 

you direct access to 40 channel strips. 

Each channel strip is clearly designed 

and makes the most important functions 

available, based on a source-oriented 

concept. Virtual channels also allow you 

to work on several operating levels – thus 

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enabling you to use a channel module 

to access many more channels than the 

number of physical faders. And, especially 

practical during installation, modules 

are connected to each other by only one 

cable, so they can be placed anywhere on 

your console; this allows your workspace 

to be set up anyway you like! 

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Status display – overload, limiter activity, 

and signal present indicator 

Rotary control – Mic, Line and Aux send 

levels, plus pan and balance control 

Multifunctional LCD buttons – enable 

direct channel access or source allocation 

to the corresponding channel strip. 

In addition to source names, when the 

rotary control is operated, the corresponding 

parameter value is displayed 

Freely programmable buttons – provide 

additional switch functions with sourcerelated 

assignment (eg. talkback, 

conference or summing bus asignment) 

High quality motorised faders – guarantee 

maximum overview and clear feedback 

of the current channel setting. In addition, 

the faders integrate perfectly with any 

connected broadcast automation system 

or audio workstation (e. g. ProTools TM ) 

Two additional, freely programmable 

buttons – can be used e. g. for PFL, 

On/Off, or Start/Stop control of a 

remote replay machine


The Central Module: 

Fast access to all functions. 

Together with channel control modules, 

this provides the ideal solution for smaller 

mixing consoles and self-op studios. 

Thanks to a reduced surface area and 

guidance from a built-in menu, you 

can benefit from complete access to all 

functions without being distracted by 

unnecessary displays and superfluous 

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information. The most important highlights: 

very compact central control using 

twelve LCD buttons and a large monitor 

section with 24 freely definable buttons 

and two rotary controls. In addition to 

internal storage, the central module 

allows user-related storage of settings 

via individual Compact Flash cards. 

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4 

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Card reader – Compact Flash cards 

can be used to store and recall personal 

settings, even during a live broadcast 

Central user interface – enables 

complete access to every channel. 

To prevent operator error, the LCD 

buttons only display the respectively 

available parameters 

These LCD buttons allow you to 

assign different sources to individual 

channel strips 

Freely assignable control and talkback 

buttons, for the flexible control of red 

light, monitoring selection, and studio 

monitoring etc.


The XL Central Module: 

All parameters in direct access. 

Superbly user friendly, and a compact 

design with its focus on the essential, 

the XL central module is completely consistent 

with proven <strong>zirkon</strong> philosophy. 

However, this larger central module is 

especially designed to meet the requirements 

of bigger productions. Its control 

surface, designed for audio operators, 

allows direct access to all audio para- 

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meters, and thus enables active sound 

design when editorial times are especially 

short. Needless to say, those typical 

<strong>zirkon</strong> advantages should not be forgotten. 

The XL also gives you all the benefits of 

reliable operational security, excellent 

flexibility, and clear user feedback. 

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Card reader – Compact Flash cards 

enable rapid storage and recall 

of settings for individual users. 

Level display – Aids correct setting of 

the channel recording level 

Clearly visible channel settings 

– control DSP parameters at a glance 

and intervene immediately as required 

Motorised ACCESS fader – displays the 

level setting of the currently selected 

channel. Can be used to control not only 

the associated channel strip but also 

virtual channels from other layers 

Freely programmable control and 

talkback buttons – flexible control of 

any monitoring group via loudspeakers 

or headphones


The 2s Module: 

Functional technology for maximum overview. 

In self-op situations, program content and 

broadcast integrity are necessarily in the 

operational foreground; by contrast, audio 

design frequently plays second fiddle. 

So the radio professional behind the 

microphone has special expectations: he 

wants functional technology that gives 

him the clearest operational overview 

and the greatest security. These are the 

needs that the 2s module was developed 

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to meet, while consciously foregoing a 

classic central module with a direct access 

to signal processing. Ideally supplement- 

ed by VisTool touch screen software, this 

variant also allows you to use all those 

familiar <strong>zirkon</strong> features and, optionally, 

to even realize mixing consoles with up to 

40 channels. 

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Multi-functional buttons – can be freely 

programmed to provide bus assignments 

or PFL, or an ACCESS function to 

interact with VisTool software 

Status display – shows BUS assignments 

and the level on each channel strip for an 

essential overview 

High-quality motorised faders – assure 

maximum overview of levels and clear 

feedback of the current channel activity. 

The faders interface perfectly with 

broadcasting automation systems 

Alphanumerical display – for display 

of channel labels; ergonomically placed 

between fader and large functional 

buttons 

Two additional, freely programmable 

buttons – can be used as On/Off 

function, Start/Stop of a remote replay 

machine, or PFL 

24 freely configurable buttons and 

6 potentiometers – multiple control 

and monitor functions on a separate 

monitoring module 

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Better overview for greater ease of use: 

The VisTool touch screen software. 

Innovative, clearly laid out and, optionally, 

freely configurable – with the optional 

VisTool software you can add a modern 

screen-based user interface to <strong>zirkon</strong>. 

Now your operators have a control surface 

with extended functionality and even 

greater user-friendliness. 

Specifically this means that the VisTool 

Technic variant can offer you, for example, 

on three switchable pages, different 

level displays, additional triggers, the graphic 

display of channel parameters, and 

miscellaneous status displays. Alternatively, 

the VisTool Edit programme: this editor 

enables you to freely design your own 

operational overviews using virtual control 

and display elements. For example, you 

can combine foldback arbitration with 

an overview of console settings and level 

displays for one control surface, and 

move less frequently used functions to a 

previous page. Whatever function is the 

most important for you, VisTool gives your 

operators an extremely efficient tool with 

which to handle their daily broadcasting 

tasks! 

More Advantages: 

<strong>zirkon</strong> functions can be arranged on the touch screen layers in any format, and 

supplemented by numerous display elements (freely programmable buttons for 

logic, matrices and DSP control, source and bus assignment) 

Additionally, up to 6 logic-controlled timing elements to trigger any required actions 

Up to 30 simultaneous, switchable level displays 

Overview of DSP parameters (e. g. dynamics and EQ characteristic curves) facilitate 

signal processing 

Work with snapshots in a central database 

Minimum requirements for VisTool: 

<strong>zirkon</strong> console or Nova17 matrix with corresponding master card plus a PC with 

Windows operating system and touch screen (data transfer via Ethernet TCP/IP, 

up to four PCs may be connected). 

Available: 

VisTool ‘On-Air’ – a pre-configured page with level display, timer, tally buttons and 

channel status display 

VisTool ‘Technic’ – as ‘On Air’, but with two additional pages for multi-level display 

and visualisation of DSP parameters 

VisTool ‘Edit’ – editor for free configuration of touch screen surfaces including a 

runtime (RT) license for operation 

VisTool ‘RT’ – runtime version for operating self-edited touch screen surfaces


Optional panels: 

Extension panels for <strong>zirkon</strong> and Nova17. 

With our versatile panel solutions, you 

can extend the capability of <strong>zirkon</strong> 

mixing consoles and the Nova17 matrix. 

The pushbutton panels or GPIO inter- 

faces are capable of a wide variety of 

tasks, for example, monitoring and 

pre-listening, multiplexing, or red/white 

light control at various locations. 

Key-60 

Panel in the form of a channel module 

with 60 illuminated buttons 

The panels can either be connected 

inexpensively to the system via the CAN 

bus or, depending on the panel, be 

remotely controlled via Ethernet TCP/IP. 

Each panel can be freely programmed 

according to requirements, using the 

configuration software. 

TB-12 

19“/1U panel with 12 illuminated buttons, 

talkback microphone and loudspeaker 

KSC.T20 

1“/1U panel 

with 20 illuminated buttons 

KSC.LCD16 

19“/1U panel 

with 16 LCD buttons 

KSC.LCD15P1 

19“/1U panel with 15 LCD buttons and 

one rotary control for use as level control 

KSC.LCD14P2 

19“/1U panel with 14 LCD buttons and 

two rotary controls for use as level controls 

KSC.GPIO32 

19”/1U panel with 32 GPIO contacts and 

eight VCA inputs 

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When performance and reliability count: 

The <strong>zirkon</strong> system core. 

A car will only perform as well as its engine, 

and a digital mixing console is only 

as good as its system core. <strong>zirkon</strong> features 

a DSP core, based on the proven DALLIS 

I/O system that is also used in Lawo’s 

large-scale mc² series mixing consoles, 

and in Lawo matrices. The innovative 

STAR² architecture is, of course, included. 

Thus, <strong>zirkon</strong> not only benefits from the 

modular concept and high quality of these 

Signal processing in the system core: 

Mono, stereo and surround channels with: 

Input gain 

Signal indicator 

Direct out 

Insert 

Fader 

Aux send with Pre/Post switching 

Pan/Balance 

In addition, switchable if required: 

Equalizer with three fully parametric bands plus high/low pass filters 

Dynamics unit with gate, expander, compressor, limiter 

Delays of up to 340ms with switchable units 

(metres, milliseconds, frames) 

plug-in cards, but also from their continual 

development. 

The system core handles routing, control 

and central signal processing (DSP). In 

addition, the core’s motherboard provides 

the interfaces for various connections: 

from desk modules and panels and external 

components such as VisTool, radio 

automation systems or audio workstations, 

DIG 

AMP 

DELAY 

to maintenance and configuration tools. 

If the system core is used without surface 

modules, the special ‘Nova17’ operating 

mode makes <strong>zirkon</strong>’s functionality available 

as a stand-alone or network-capable 

matrix application. Furthermore, the <strong>zirkon</strong> 

core works without a fan or PC, a feature 

that assures reliability and short boot 

times. 

Optionally, up to 384 input/output channels can be supported 

with the following interfaces: 

Analog Mic/Line (transformer or electronically balanced) 

Headphones (including VCA interface) 

AES/EBU (AES3) with or without sample rate converter 

ADAT® 

HD/SD SDI (embedded audio) 

Serial data transfer (RS232, RS422, MIDI) 

GPIO (Opto, Relays, VCA) 

Optional: up to four MADI interfaces on the motherboard 

EQ & 

Filter 

COMP 

EXP 

GATE 

LIMIT FADER


Quick, direct and uncomplicated: 

<strong>zirkon</strong>’s service features. 

These days the central monitoring and 

easy maintenance of working equipment is 

becoming increasingly important. There- 

fore, it is no surprise that in this respect 

<strong>zirkon</strong>, once again, meets the stiffest 

Simple, flexible and tailor-made: 

<strong>zirkon</strong> configuration. 

Different operator teams, different program 

formats, individual workflows – and 

one mixing console that can be adapted 

advantageously to your needs. Thanks to 

its high-performance and extensive configuration 

level, you can set up <strong>zirkon</strong> to 

meet your every demand. For example, 

with the help of the supplied software you 

can enter individual settings for interfaces, 

sources and summing mixes, freely assign 

relay contacts and flexibly realize moni- 

toring systems and remote controls. And 

all of this by simply using a graphic 

Windows application. 

requirements. For example: enter the IP of 

your <strong>zirkon</strong> into a web browser and you get 

(assuming you are online) an immediate, 

complete overview of the current status of 

your mixing console. 

<strong>zirkon</strong>’s servicing plus points: 

Hot-plug capable modules that can even be replaced on-air 

For error elimination and central monitoring, a web server is integrated in the 

PC-free control system. This can be accessed via a typical browser and the integral 

Ethernet TCP/IP interface 

Alert signals in the logic programming framework can be freely linked, e. g. for status 

displays on the front panel or on the VisTool screen 

Project specific solutions offer the option of centrally logging alerts and messages 

from one or several systems 

Simple maintenance – software can be updated from a central location over a 

network interface 

<strong>zirkon</strong>’s configuration highlights: 

Individual definition of sources, destinations and summing buses including the 

integral functions and resources 

Freely programmable console buttons and monitoring section 

Simple allocation of names and control functions (such as mix minus, talkback or 

fader start) 

Extensive programming of logic functions including optocouplers and relays, 

e. g. red light control 

Restriction of access rights 

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Technical data: 

Everything at a glance. 

Panel 

Modular design with up to 40 faders 

4-fader module with motorised 100mm fader 

Operation possible with multiple operating layers (multi-layer) 

Two central panel variants with CF card reader/writer for 

snapshot saving 

Modules for building into desk, freely placeable (CAN wiring) 

Panel extendible with additional control panels and VisTool 

touch screen software 

System core 

Modular plug-in card system based on the DALLIS I/O system 

Central motherboard with integrated control system and signal 

processing (redundantly designed as an option) 

Integrated matrix with up to 384 inputs and outputs 

(non-blocking) 

PC-independent and fan-free operation 

Optional redundant power supply 

Signal processing 

40 channels (mono or stereo, surround, depending on the 

available resources) with Input Gain 

Central masterboard with integrated control system and signal 

processing (optional with redundant design), Pan/Balance, 

Direct Out and Insert 

48 equalizers: 3 fully parametric bands and 2 filters (mono*) 

14 dynamic units: gate, expander, compressor 

(mono or stereo use) 

14 limiters (mono or stereo) 

24 delays: up to 340ms with switchable units: metres, 

milliseconds, frames (mono*) 

48 summing buses (mono*, incl. main 1, 2 and PFL, second 

PFL possible) 

30 mini-mixers (2 x 2 mixers for monitoring, stereo to mono, etc.) 

Optional 40 full stereo channels with EQ, DYN, LIM via 

additional masterboard 

(*Stereo coupling possible) 

Interfaces 

Analog Mic/Line (transformer or el. balanced) 

Headset (incl. VCA interface) 

AES/EBU (AES3) with and without sampling rate converter (SRC) 

ADAT® 

HD/SD SDI (embedded audio) 

Serial data transfer (RS232, RS422, MIDI) 

GPIO (optocouplers, relays, VCA) 

Optional up to 4 MADI ports on the masterboard 

Synchronisation 

Wordclock input and internal generator 

Optional via MADI 

Supported sample rates 48 kHz and 44.1 kHz (depending on 

motherboard) 

Control 

2 possible PFL buses 

Simulcast production of surround and stereo 

Integrated mix-minus/conference logic 

Freely programmable logic core (redlight, faderstart, program 

switch, T/B integration, etc.) 

Serial interface for interaction with radio automation systems 

(‘<strong>zirkon</strong>’ operating mode) 

Serial interface for matrix control (‘Nova17’ operating mode) 

Optional MIDI interface for interaction with audio workstations 

(HUI protocol e. g. for ProTools) 

Remote control of external Lawo matrices possible 

(e. g. source selection) 

Optional control via touch screen (VisTool) 

Optional graphic matrix control (NovaConnect) 

Configuration and maintenance 

Software for system configuration and logic programming 

Integrated web server for system diagnosis 

Dedicated SW tool for performing software updates 

Remote maintenance via VPN/ISDN

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Headquarters 

Lawo AG 

Am Oberwald 8 

76437 Rastatt 

GERMANY 

Phone + 49 7222 1002 0 

Fax + 49 7222 1002 24 

info@lawo.de 

www.lawo.de 

Subsidiaries 

Lawo International GmbH 

Wehntalerstrasse 58 

8157 Dielsdorf 

SWITZERLAND 


Fax + 41 43 38868 09 

info@lawo.ch 

www.lawo.ch 

Lawo North America Corp. 

1361 Huntingwood Drive, #16 

Toronto, Ontario M1S 3J1 

CANADA 


Fax + 1 416 292 0402 

info@lawo.ca 

www.lawo.ca 

Lawo Australia Pty Ltd 

Factory 2 

2B Holmes Street 

Ballarat 

Victoria 3350 

AUSTRALIA 


Fax + 61 3 5309 2648 

info@lawo.com.au 

www.lawo.com.au 

Lawo AG Beijing 

Representative Office 

Room 1101, Block A, Luo Wa Plaza, 

No. 203, Zone 2, Li Ze Zhong Yuan 

Wang Jing, Chaoyang District 

100102 Beijing 

P. R. CHINA 


Fax + 86 10 6439 1813 

francis.he@lawo.cn 

www.lawo.cn

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